The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Wednesday, swore in the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, alongside 13 other key state officials. The ceremony took place at the state Executive Council Chamber of the Government House, also known as the “Light House” in Awka.
Governor Soludo charged the newly appointed officials to deliver optimal services to the people of Anambra, describing their appointments as a “call to serve” rather than an opportunity for personal gain.
Swearing-in Ceremony
The ceremony began at about 12:47 pm, when the new SSG and other appointees took the oath of office. Before that, the former Solicitor-General of the state, Mrs. Ngozi Iwouno, administered the oath to the newly appointed Attorney-General, Tobechukwu Nweke, who in turn administered the oath of allegiance to the other appointees.
Governor Soludo formally welcomed the appointees into “Team Solution 2.0”, emphasizing that each had been carefully vetted through a thorough selection process before being assigned portfolios. He described the ceremony not as a mere formality but as a pivotal moment of commitment and reflection, urging each official to internalise the significance of their oath of office.
Key Appointment: Secretary to the State Government
The newly sworn-in SSG, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, is a seasoned professional with a background in finance and public administration.
Profile Highlights:
- Former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning
- Over 13 years of experience in finance and strategy
- Noted for her role in economic planning and state development initiatives
Her role as SSG is pivotal, as she will coordinate government policies and administrative functions across all departments.
List of Other Appointees
Governor Soludo also swore in several other top officials across strategic portfolios:
Core Government Positions:
- Head of Service: Mrs. Ngozi Iwouno
- Principal Secretary to the Governor: Joachim Anetoh
- Chief of Staff: Dr. Ben Nwankwo
- State Chief of Protocol: Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor
- Commissioner for Finance: Uzochukwu Okafor
Legal and Media Roles:
- Attorney-General: Tobechukwu Nweke
- Chief Press Secretary: Christian Aburime
Deputy and Support Positions:
- Deputy Chief of Staff: Dr. Vincent Okechi
- Deputy State Chief of Protocol: Ms. Ngozi Okoye
Special Advisers:
- Medicals and Pharmaceuticals: Dr. Godwin Nnadozie
- Innovation and Business Incubation / CEO, Solution Innovation District: Ms. Chinwe Okoli
- Special Projects / Director, Project Evaluation & Monitoring: Prof. Ebuka Nwankwo
- Community Security: Ken Emeakayi
Governor’s Address to Appointees
Governor Soludo highlighted several key expectations:
- Call to Serve: Every appointee should view their role as a service to the state, not personal enrichment.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: The governor likened the administration to a football team—“with one ball and 11 players, and the goal is to put the ball into the net in the opposite direction”—emphasizing coordination and unity.
- Accountability: Officials are tasked with carrying the responsibility of over nine million Ndi Anambra on their shoulders.
- Sacrifice and Discipline: Soludo reminded them that public service involves personal sacrifices and urged reflection on the oath of office.
- Intentional Selection: The governor reassured the appointees that every person had been thoroughly vetted and intentionally selected to fit their roles.
He also appealed to families and close relatives of the officials not to make excessive demands, stressing that the appointees’ services are primarily for the people of Anambra.
Political and Administrative Significance
1. First Batch of Appointments
This swearing-in represents the initial phase of cabinet appointments, with additional officials expected to be appointed in subsequent batches.
2. Consolidation of Second-Term Agenda
The appointments signal the kickoff of Governor Soludo’s second-term priorities, following his re-election in 2025.
3. Strategic Governance Reset
By dissolving the previous cabinet and appointing a new team, the governor is emphasizing:
- Renewed focus on performance and accountability
- Strategic restructuring to achieve policy objectives
- Prioritization of competence and value-based governance
Conclusion
The swearing-in of the SSG and 13 other key officials marks a significant milestone in Governor Soludo’s administration. With a blend of experienced technocrats, seasoned lawyers, and strategic aides, “Team Solution 2.0” is positioned to drive effective governance, implement policies, and advance the development agenda of Anambra State.
The governor’s emphasis on teamwork, accountability, and service sets the tone for a disciplined and goal-oriented administration.